Remember the Christmas Float debacle, when the float (the pickup truck owned by the Eccles’) was driven around this community without road tax, MOT, and any valid insurance?
Let’s not forget, it also had had a warning advisory notice from the previous MOT that had expired on the 15th November 2022.
It was also declared as statutory off road notification (SORN).
They toured the 3 villages of Hemsworth, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam where children ran out to see them.
Children along with adults and other road users were put in danger by a vehicle that was not declared fit to be on the road.
We were told an investigation would take place, silly Ferret thought it would be a full investigation that could and should have led to a disciplinary hearing for Mr Draper, our esteemed Town Clerk to explain to a panel as to how he had allowed an unroadworthy vehicle to be used by this local authority.
Unfortunately it did not take place and instead we got a root cause analysis investigation carried out by Councillor Shaun Middleton and the outcome of that investigation was, according to Councillor Middleton, that the van being illegal was a misunderstanding and innocent mistake by the Eccles.
Ferret knows it’s not a laughing matter, but a conclusion like that to such a serious issue makes it hard not to chuckle.
Anyway, here is the better news, the pickup has finally been for an MOT and has passed on the 12th of April 2023.
Finally, the inspecting MOT station was none other than the Kirkbygate Garage at Hemsworth, which will probably surprise no-one…
Probably be much more coming to light when new council takes over in May. The staff are starting to come forward with what’s been going off.